Jackson, 9, said he was surprised by the sight of more than 20 officers sharing their time in his neighborhood. It's all part of RECreate, the oldest program of the New Orleans Young Leadership Council.

"It shows the community we care," New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Michael Harrison said. "It shows the community that we care about kids."

Harrison said he does not want kids to fear police and hopes activities like Saturday's will help build trust, which is important in the fight against crime.

"They see us as the enforcer," Harrison said. "We drive by, we come by and we're in enforcer mode and protect and serve mode every day. This is just a different way to view police as regular people who like to have fun, and play and have fun and they open up to us."

Samantha White with RECreate said the 10-week series of activities and Saturday field trips for Central City youth, along with NOPD participation, change young lives.

"They're already in the community, but we just want them to be able to play with our kids also," White said.

Jackson said the event made him feel special.

"Police officers with us instead of other kids, so it makes me feel like a VIP," he said.

RECreate has year-round open enrollment. Many activities are held at the Harmony Oaks Community Center.

Harrison said the Crescent City can expect more community policing events throughout the area.